10-year-old girl fighting cancer asks for cards for her upcoming birthday

People say life is about the simple pleasures. Waking up to a gorgeous sunny day, receiving beautiful bouquets of flowers from loved ones, a kind smile from a stranger, or even just a meaningful quote on Instagram can sometimes make your day. Ryleigh Williams, a little girl from Georgia who's been battling cancer since the age of 6, cherishes such simple pleasures in life and with her 11th birthday approaching, she has a special request to all those who follow her journey.

Speaking to WGXA, the 10-year-old's mother, Staci Williams revealed that her child has been in the hospital for treatments since August 12 and will be unable to return home until after Thanksgiving this year. Ryleigh was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 6 and although she went into remission for a while, she was informed that her cancer returned in May 2018. The Georgia resident is a student at Jackson Road Elementary School and will have to celebrate her 11th birthday at the Ronald McDonald House in Atlanta as she continues to battle her disease.

Wanting to make the day a little bit special despite her grim surroundings, Ryleigh is asking for birthday cards from anyone who'd like to show her some love and support. The brave girl's cancer journey is documented on her Facebook page so that her friends, family, and wellwishers can keep track of her recovery and send their prayers. Her simple birthday wish for cards even caught the attention of baseball legend Hank Aaron, formerly of the America Braves, who was so moved by the little one's story that he went above and beyond to do something special for her.

Aaron made a generous donation to the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House in Ryleigh's name to honor her upcoming birthday. A family member of the girl revealed the exciting news via Facebook post earlier this week, writing: Good Morning Everyone! I have just received word from my cousin J Earle Shivers - The Pearle of Georgia that the great home run hitter of the Atlanta Braves, Henry "Hank" Aaron is making a donation to the Atlanta RMHC in honor of Ryleigh for her birthday!!! Thank you so much Mr. Henry "Hank" Aaron and God bless you!

According to Stanford's Children's Health, "most leukemias in children are acute, which means they tend to grow quickly." Although the exact cause of leukemia in children is unknown, studies on the subject have revealed that the risk factors for childhood leukemia include exposure to high levels of radiation, having certain inherited syndromes of the likes of Down's syndrome and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, having an inherited condition that affects the body's immune system, and having a brother or sister with leukemia. Those who wish to make Ryleigh's birthday wish come true and send her a card can send it to the following address: Atlanta Ronald McDonald House, 795 N. Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329